Can I run an Airbnb here? Do I need a licence?
In the Regional municipality of Halifax, Nova Scotia, short-term rentals rules are set by By-law R-400 Respecting Registration of Residential Rental Properties and 1 other bylaw, verified 2026-09-27. A licence is required. Fee: Zoning Confirmation Letter $200; Development Only Permit $250. Zones allowed: Rental housing must comply with all applicable land use by-laws; no specific zones named.
| licence required | yes | s. 4(a); s. 3(3) |
| zones allowed | Rental housing must comply with all applicable land use by-laws; no specific zones named | s. 7 |
Requires all residential rental properties, including short-term rentals, to register with HRM. Done and passed in Council April 4, 2023; effective June 12, 2023.
| licence required | yes | Registration Requirements |
| owner occupancy required | no | Regulations - Residential vs Commercial Short-term rental |
| zones allowed | Residential STR (within host's primary residence) permitted in all zones where residential uses are permitted; Commercial STR permitted by zone (zones allowing hotels/tourist accommodation) | Are Short-Term Rentals allowed in my neighbourhood? |
| fee | Zoning Confirmation Letter $200; Development Only Permit $250 | How do I Apply for a Zoning Confirmation Letter?; How do I Apply for a Permit? |
Region-wide land use by-law amendments separating residential STRs (primary-residence-only) from commercial STRs (tourist/commercial zones). Regional Council approved Feb 21, 2023; in effect Sept 1, 2023. URL is HRM's STR program page documenting the adopted LUB amendments.